MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 26: Defensive coordinator Brian Flores (L) talks to general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah of the Minnesota Vikings prior to the start of a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 26, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Cardinals defeated the Vikings 18-17. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The possible departure of Danielle Hunter from the Minnesota Vikings in free agency might only mark the beginning of challenges for the team. Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal has suggested that if the Vikings fail to re-sign the four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, there’s a significant chance he could end up with NFC North rivals, the Detroit Lions or Chicago Bears.
Neal highlighted the potential impact of such a scenario, emphasizing that it could be unsettling for Vikings fans as Hunter would not only leave as a free agent but could also join a divisional rival. He mentioned that the Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson or the Bears’ Montez Sweat would welcome the addition of another elite pass rusher to their lines, and Hunter would have the opportunity to face the Vikings twice a season.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported the Bears’ strong interest in Hunter, citing their ample cap space. Hunter, coming off career highs in various defensive categories, has rebounded well from health concerns that plagued him in 2020 and part of 2021.
Neal urged the Vikings to secure a contract extension with Hunter to prevent the possibility of him strengthening the pass rush for a divisional opponent. However, he acknowledged that contract talks between Hunter and the Vikings are currently “on hold.”
The Vikings’ decision-making is complicated by their unresolved situation with quarterback Kirk Cousins. Contract negotiations with Hunter are in limbo as the team is yet to determine whether to re-sign Cousins or let him walk in free agency. The Vikings’ delay in finalizing a deal with Cousins has left Hunter’s contract talks in uncertainty.
The Vikings are unlikely to make a definitive decision on Cousins until after the NFL Scouting Combine. Despite having months to reach an agreement, no deal has been reached, and a final negotiation is expected after Cousins’ agent assesses competing offers at the combine.
Hunter is likely to learn about his potential value in free agency during the combine, which could prompt the Vikings to match any competitive offer. Pro Football Focus projected a three-year deal worth $67 million for Hunter.
To avoid losing key players like Hunter and Cousins to free agency, the Vikings should ideally secure contract extensions before competitive offers emerge from teams with more cap space.
One could argue that Cousins and Hunter are closely linked, and parting ways with either would significantly impact their respective sides of the team. Opting for Cousins without retaining Hunter would weaken the Vikings’ pass rush, potentially leading to a season ending with a disappointing early playoff exit.
Nevertheless, letting go of Cousins comes with its own challenges, notably the substantial $28 million dead cap if he isn’t re-signed. Despite this, there’s a scenario where the Vikings, through a successful 2024 draft, could maintain Hunter in his prime, bolstering their chances for a meaningful postseason run.
Yet, Hunter might be inclined to spend the final years of his career with a more established contender, especially considering the uncertainty that comes with a quarterback change in Minnesota.
